Why holidays now cause ‘dread’ for Melnick

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In another 2020 oddity, Clark County’s top public health official is increasingly apprehensive about holidays.

Public Health Officer Dr. Alan Melnick provided an update Wednesday to the Clark County Council on the COVID-19 outbreak. For the third week in a row, the county’s virus activity remains in the moderate range for school reopening, according to the health department. 

Virus activity fell to 63.05 cases new cases per 100,000 population in the past few days, per the most recent update. Melnick said that additional school reopening could begin in the next few weeks if trends continue. 

“Still higher than we want to be, but I’m gratified that the numbers are coming down,” Melnick said. 

But a potential speed bump lies ahead. Melnick said the number of new cases rose after Memorial Day and July Fourth, prompting worries of a three-peat. 

“I didn’t use to dread holidays, but I’m concerned over Labor Day, especially with the weather being as warm as it is,” Melnick said (perhaps with tongue only slightly in-cheek.) “I’m hoping that people use physical distancing and continue to use face masks so we don’t get a bump after Labor Day.”